ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the key concerns and constraints of the making of Chinese foreign policy: the peculiar incentives in Beijing and the relations China has with the US. The overall objective in its diplomacy, Beijing is seeking a shared strategic interest with the US and other major external powers on the Korean peninsula yet may make significant changes as the overall US–China relationship evolves amidst profound differences and uncertainties. Beijing's dominant interest is in a peaceful and stable Korean peninsula, divided or unified, preferably divided. It is also strongly interested in seeing the Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. No nukes on the Korean peninsula are indeed a shared interest with the US; no unification of the Koreas and no confrontation with the US on the Korean peninsula seem to be Beijing's higher goals, in the name of stability and peace.
